Food Freebies And Graduation Deals For The Class Of 2025

Graduation season brings a steady stream of celebration-focused offers from restaurants and food brands. Many businesses mark the milestone with free items for graduates who arrive in cap and gown, while others structure savings through gift card bonus promotions. These opportunities can make planning a graduation party more affordable, provide extra value at family dinners, or simply treat new graduates to a small token of recognition. Offers vary by location and time, and most are only available during a defined window, typically through the end of June. Below is a comprehensive overview of current food-related freebies and deals for graduates, along with practical guidance for redeeming them.

Overview of Graduate Food Offers

Food-related graduation offers generally fall into two broad categories. The first comprises “wear your cap and gown” freebies—small, immediate rewards offered at the point of purchase when a graduate presents a cap and gown or other proof of graduation. The second category involves gift card purchase bonuses—spend a set amount on gift cards and receive bonus cards or credits that can be used later. Some retailers also run limited-time catering or delivery discounts. These promotions are seasonal, with many running through the end of June, and they often exclude tax and fees in qualifying thresholds. The presence of a rewards account may be required for some gift-card-based promotions.

How to Redeem Offers

Redemption is usually straightforward but varies by the type of offer. For cap-and-gown freebies, a graduate must present proof of graduation—most often a cap and gown—at the time of purchase at a participating location. For gift card bonus promotions, a graduate or gift-giver can purchase a qualifying gift card in-store or online (when specified) and then receive promotional cards, which typically load onto a rewards account or are issued immediately. The eligibility windows for bonus cards are often narrow, sometimes beginning the day after purchase and ending within a few weeks. Catering and delivery offers can require a minimum order value and the use of a specific promotional code, which is typically entered during checkout or at the time of ordering.

Food Freebies When Wearing Cap and Gown

A number of restaurants recognize graduates immediately upon arrival. These offers are typically limited to one free item per graduate, with purchase conditions applied in some cases. The details are summarized here.

• Insomnia Cookies offers graduates a free classic cookie when they purchase a classic cookie and present their cap and gown at the register. The promotion runs through June 30 and is available at participating locations, with in-store redemption.
• Magnolia Bakery offers a free classic cupcake to graduates who visit a location wearing their cap and gown or carrying a diploma or degree. The offer is valid through June 30 and is available in-store at participating bakeries.
• Buca di Beppo recognizes graduates with a free cannoli when a graduate celebration is booked and the party dines in. In some cases, a minimum spend may apply, and redemption can be tied to use of a promotional code at booking.
• Bertucci’s offers a graduation package that can feed 10 to 20 people, including a tray of mini chocolate chip cannoli when customers spend $100 or more and use the code GRAD2025. This is a dine-in only offer.
• Edible Arrangements provides a free cone of chocolate-covered strawberries to graduates who show proof of graduation. Availability and specific redemption details may vary by location.

These freebies are intentionally designed to be simple, festive, and easy to claim at the point of service. Because they hinge on in-person presence and proof of graduation, they work best for casual celebrations or quick stops with the graduate in attendance.

Gift Card Purchase Bonus Promotions

Several brands are using gift card bonuses to deliver value that extends beyond graduation weekend. The mechanics are consistent: buy a specified amount in gift cards and receive bonus cards or credits that can be used for future visits. Bonus cards are sometimes loaded onto a rewards account; a free account can be created online or in-store prior to purchase. Timelines and restrictions vary, and the specifics are outlined below.

• Applebee’s provides a $10 bonus card with the purchase of $50 in Applebee’s gift cards. The offer is available through June 29. Bonus cards are valid the day after purchase through August 3, 2025, and are valid for in-restaurant dining and online orders. An account may be required for redemption; online gift card purchase may be supported.
• Auntie Annie’s offers a $5 bonus reward for every $25 spent on gift cards. The offer runs through June 15. Bonus rewards may be redeemed through July 15. A rewards account is required for redemption, and there may be a limit of one bonus per customer per transaction.
• Benihana runs two tiered gift card promotions: spend $50 and receive a $10 promotional card, or spend $200 and receive a $60 promotional card. The offer is available through June 15. Promotional cards are valid from June 16 through July 2, 2025.
• Bonefish Grill offers a $10 bonus whenever a $50 gift card is purchased. The gift card is redeemable from June 23 to August 24, framing a short window for use.
• Logan’s Roadhouse provides two $10 bonus cards with the purchase of $50 in gift cards. The specifics on the validity period and any account requirement are not detailed in the available materials and may vary by location.
• Moe’s Southwest Grill offers two $5 rewards for every $25 spent on gift cards. Additional details about redemption periods and account requirements are not specified and may vary.
• Peter Piper Pizza offers a $10 bonus card when $50 in gift cards are purchased. The validity period and any account requirement are not specified and may vary by location.
• Red Robin provides $10 Bonus Buck Rewards for every $50 spent on gift cards. Additional details about redemption periods and account requirements are not specified and may vary.
• Smashburger offers $15 in Smash Cash with the purchase of a $60 gift card. The validity period and any account requirement are not specified and may vary.
• Carvel provides a $5 reward card with the purchase of $25 in gift cards. The validity period and any account requirement are not specified and may vary.

These promotions tend to be popular because the bonus cards can be used later, often during the summer when post-graduation gatherings continue. As with any gift card purchase, it is important to review local store participation and to confirm the mechanics of bonus card loading and redemption.

Catering and Delivery Promotions

In addition to immediate freebies and gift card bonuses, some businesses provide catering or delivery incentives that can help with larger gatherings.

• Potbelly offers free delivery on catering orders of $150 or more when customers use the promo code FREEDELIVERY. The offer is presented as a graduation-related free delivery promotion, with the time window unspecified in the available materials.
• Buca di Beppo recognizes graduates with a free cannoli with service when a graduate celebration is booked. Some reports mention that a minimum spend may apply and that a promotional code may be required at booking. This is a dine-in only scenario, making it best suited for planned gatherings rather than last-minute orders.

Catering and delivery incentives can significantly reduce costs for bigger events, especially when ordering a full meal for extended family and friends. Because these offers often hinge on minimum order thresholds, it is sensible to confirm total amounts, taxes, and fees before placing an order to ensure the threshold is met.

Redemption Steps for Major Offers

Redemption steps vary by the offer, but the general process for the most common promotions is clear.

For Insomnia Cookies: - Visit a participating Insomnia Cookies location while wearing a cap and gown. - Purchase a classic cookie and request the free classic cookie under the graduation promotion. - The free item is provided at the register, subject to location participation and available inventory.

For Magnolia Bakery: - Visit a participating Magnolia Bakery wearing a cap and gown or carrying a diploma or degree. - Ask for the free classic cupcake at the point of sale. - The offer is valid through June 30, and location participation may vary.

For Buca di Beppo: - Book a graduation celebration for dine-in service. - If the offer includes a minimum spend, ensure the booking meets the threshold. - If a promotional code is required, present it at booking or when placing the order. - The free cannoli is provided with service, subject to location participation.

For Bertucci’s: - Plan a graduation package for 10 to 20 guests. - Spend $100 or more and use code GRAD2025 to receive a tray of mini chocolate chip cannoli. - The offer is dine-in only.

For Edible Arrangements: - Visit a participating Edible Arrangements location. - Show proof of graduation and request the free cone of chocolate-covered strawberries. - Availability may vary by location and day.

For Applebee’s: - Purchase $50 in Applebee’s gift cards, in-store or online if supported. - A $10 bonus card is issued; it is valid the day after purchase through August 3, 2025. - Bonus card redemption may require a rewards account; check local policies.

For Benihana: - Purchase gift cards at a participating location. - If spending $50, receive a $10 promotional card; if spending $200, receive a $60 promotional card. - Promotional cards are valid June 16 through July 2, 2025. - Check local policies for loading and account requirements.

For Potbelly: - Place a catering order of $150 or more. - Apply the code FREEDELIVERY at checkout. - Confirm the discount is applied before finalizing the order.

Where Offers May Differ

Two factors most frequently affect how a graduate experiences these offers: location participation and time windows. Participation can vary by market, and not all stores in a chain may be included. Similarly, expiration dates and bonus card validity windows differ across brands and are strictly enforced. For example, Applebee’s and Auntie Annie’s bonuses have fixed, relatively short validity windows, while Benihana promotional cards are only valid for about two weeks after issuance. Additionally, some offers require a rewards account to load and redeem bonus cards, while others may not.

The most practical way to handle differences is to confirm local participation, account requirements, and exact expiration dates before planning a visit or purchase. For cap-and-gown freebies, it is also helpful to call ahead and confirm store hours and inventory, particularly in the final days of the promotional period.

Practical Tips for Maximizing Savings

Several strategies can help graduates and their families make the most of graduation food offers.

• Plan visits to cap-and-gown freebie locations at off-peak times to avoid lines. Many of these offers are one per graduate, so having a clear plan and a straightforward order can streamline redemption.
• Use gift card bonuses to extend the celebration into the summer. If a graduate expects to visit a restaurant multiple times over the next few months, buying gift cards during a bonus period can effectively stretch a budget.
• Combine offers when possible. For example, if a family orders catering and also purchases gift cards, they can take advantage of both free delivery thresholds and gift card bonuses.
• Keep receipts and take note of any codes used during checkout. If a bonus card does not appear in an account immediately, having a timestamped receipt makes customer service follow-up easier.
• Monitor expiration dates for bonus cards. Unlike gift cards themselves, bonus cards often have tighter timelines, and unused balances can be forfeited after the last valid day.
• Check whether a rewards account is needed and sign up in advance. This prevents delays in loading bonus cards and ensures access to promotional terms.
• Consider group buying for gift card promotions. If multiple family members or friends plan to gift a restaurant visit, coordinating a single purchase that meets a tiered threshold can be more efficient than separate small purchases.

Common Terms and Conditions

Most graduation food promotions share a small set of standard conditions.

• Eligibility often requires proof of graduation. For cap-and-gown offers, the cap and gown itself typically serves as sufficient proof. For some catering and delivery offers, proof may not be required at the point of ordering but may be asked for in-store.
• Limits frequently apply. Many cap-and-gown offers allow one free item per graduate. Gift card bonus promotions may cap the number of bonus cards per transaction or per customer.
• Time windows are explicit. Most cap-and-gown offers run through June 30. Gift card bonuses have their own issuance and redemption timelines, with some bonus cards valid only for a few weeks after issuance.
• Taxes and fees are typically excluded from qualifying spend thresholds. For example, a “spend $50” requirement for a gift card purchase usually refers to the pre-tax value of the gift cards.
• Location participation varies. Offers are generally available at participating locations only, and not all stores within a chain are guaranteed to participate.
• A rewards account may be required. For some gift card promotions, a free account must be created to load and redeem bonus cards.
• Offers are subject to change and may be discontinued without notice. Brands may update terms mid-campaign based on demand or operational considerations.

Verification and Reliability

This overview relies exclusively on publicly shared promotional information from multiple sources. The specific terms, expiration dates, and account requirements for each offer are derived from press announcements, brand blogs, and deal-tracking websites. Some details are presented by third-party outlets rather than official brand sites, and these can sometimes change quickly. For this reason, graduates and gift-givers should confirm the latest terms directly at the restaurant or retailer before heading out or placing an order. Official brand pages, terms of service, and in-store signage are typically the most reliable sources for up-to-date information.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I redeem a cap-and-gown freebie if I am not the graduate? Many offers are intended for the graduate to claim in person while wearing cap and gown. The focus on wearing cap and gown or showing proof of graduation suggests that a third party cannot claim the free item on behalf of a graduate who is not present.

• Do I need to make a purchase to get a cap-and-gown freebie? Some offers require a purchase of the same item to receive the freebie. For example, Insomnia Cookies requires a purchase of a classic cookie to receive a free classic cookie. Always review the specific terms before visiting a location.

• Are gift card bonuses eligible for online purchases? The availability of online redemption depends on the brand. For example, Applebee’s notes that bonus cards are valid for in-restaurant dining and online orders. If a brand does not explicitly mention online eligibility, it is best to call or visit the official site to verify.

• Can I use multiple bonus cards in one transaction? Terms can vary. Some brands may allow multiple bonus cards, while others limit usage per visit. Checking the terms for each promotion is the safest approach.

• What happens if I lose a bonus card? Bonus cards often function like gift cards and may have a balance. If lost, they are typically non-replaceable, and balances are not recoverable. Keeping bonus cards in a secure place until they are used is advisable.

• How do I know if a location is participating? Location participation can change during a promotion. Checking the official brand site or contacting a specific location directly is the most reliable way to confirm whether that store is participating.

What Is Not Covered

The available materials do not include detailed store-level terms for all brands, full account creation instructions, or delivery participation for every offer. Similarly, not all brands provide clear guidance on the stacking of promotions, returns, or exchanges. For the most accurate information, especially about redemption windows and account requirements, consumers should consult the brand’s official terms and the participating location directly.

Summary of Key Time Frames

• Cap-and-gown freebies: Many run through June 30. Insomnia Cookies and Magnolia Bakery specifically note this timeframe.
• Applebee’s gift card bonus: Bonus cards are valid the day after purchase through August 3, 2025. The purchase offer is available through June 29.
• Auntie Annie’s gift card bonus: Offer runs through June 15. Bonus rewards may be redeemed through July 15.
• Benihana gift card promotions: Purchase window runs through June 15. Promotional cards are valid from June 16 to July 2, 2025.
• Bonefish Grill gift card bonus: Gift card redeemable from June 23 to August 24.

These windows illustrate the seasonal, time-sensitive nature of many graduation offers. Planning purchases and visits within the windows ensures that savings are realized without last-minute complications.

Where Offers Fit into a Graduation Budget

For families planning a graduation celebration, offers can meaningfully reduce costs across multiple categories. Cap-and-gown freebies provide small but memorable rewards, ideal for quick stops or a post-ceremony treat. Gift card bonuses extend value over time, making multiple summer meals or gatherings more affordable. Catering and delivery promotions address larger needs, often with significant savings on delivery fees or freebies tied to a minimum spend. The combination of these elements can transform a modest budget into a more expansive celebration without overspending.

Final Considerations

Graduation food freebies and deals are a popular way for brands to acknowledge an important milestone. The core value lies in their simplicity—wear a cap and gown and receive a small treat, or buy a gift card and get extra value for later. Because the offers are limited to a specific time window and may vary by location, verifying details before heading out is essential. Taking the time to confirm participation, account requirements, and expiration dates ensures a smooth experience and the best possible use of available savings.

Sources

1. 2025 Graduate Freebies and Deals: Food Products and Savings for New Graduates
2. The Top Food Freebies for Graduates in 2024
3. Freebies and Deals for Graduates
4. Best Freebies for Graduates in 2025 | Free Food, Gift Cards, Memberships & More!
5. Free Deals 2025 Graduates
6. Freebies for Graduates